1979 MG Midget 1500
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Highlights
• Midget 1500 restored a few years ago
• Tax and MOT exempt
• Lots of new parts and service receipts
• One of the very last examples made
The Background
Due to Austin’s capacity being overrun, the 1959 Healey Sprite ‘Frogeye’ was built at the MG factory in Abingdon – a move that also led to the revival of a name of old.
With the Sprite being built at Abingdon and MG needing a boost, it was decided that the car would be redesigned with an MG front end. In 1961 the MG Midget made its debut, alongside the Austin-Healey Sprite Mk 2. Both cars had a squarer body, with separate front wings and a more conventional bonnet, while the car also got a boot – something that was missing from the original Sprite.
The little 948cc engine, meanwhile, got bigger carbs for slightly more performance.
The next milestone was the introduction of a 1,098cc variant of the trusty BMC A-Series engine in 1963. Along with the improved performance, the brakes were duly uprated with front disc brakes.
From 1964, both the Sprite and Midget received a new dash layout, fitted carpets, a new windscreen with easier to fit hood and wind-up windows, while the quarter-elliptic rear leaf springs were replaced with semi-elliptic to give a better ride quality.
But by 1971, the arrangement between Donald Healey and BMC had finished and BL had no desire to renew it, leading the Midget to soldier on alone. The Midget carried on this way until 1975, when it was revised to meet US safety legislation, sprouting a pair of black impact bumpers like those fitted to the MGB in order to remain on sale in its most popular market.
The square rear arches made a comeback, too, as a result of the car having to be raised over an inch to meet the federal rules, which would otherwise have left an unsightly gap in the back arch. It was all-change under the bonnet, too. The 1,275cc engine simply couldn’t be detuned any more to meet the American rules, so in went the 1,493cc Triumph engine as used in the Dolomite and Spitfire, which met emissions targets. It actually made the Midget a more mature car, with far better cruising refinement.
Production ceased in 1979, after a 21-year production run, which makes this example one of the very, very last – registered in March 1980. It’s an older restoration, but still a very bright and smart-looking car.
The History
While the early life of this car isn’t well-known it has been owned for much of the past decade by an owner on the Wirral, who has spent a lot of money on its upkeep and maintenance.
Prior to his ownership it was partially restored and overhauled by a classic car specialist in the North East, from whom he appears to have acquired it. Since the introduction of digitised MOTs in 2005, the Midget has covered less than 3,000 miles and has spent nine years off the road, so had had very little use.
The owner traded the car in at a classic car dealership in Bedfordshire, which has consigned it for sale.
The Paperwork
There’s an A4 box file with the Midget containing quite a bit of history of the car’s last decade of ownership, including receipts from well-known specialists such as the MGB Hive and Midland Sports and Classic.
There’s also a document from 2015 documenting work carried out by a classic car specialist in Tyne and Wear, where the car was given a comprehensive mechanical overhaul along with a new clutch and various cosmetic parts, such as new lamp lenses and interior switches.
In 2018, a receipt documents a brand new hood. There are also numerous old MOTs and a letter from one long-term owner to the next in 2001, outlining some of the car’s quirks. An MG Owners Club and Moss parts catalogue are also included for the benefit of the Midget’s next owner.
The Exterior
Overall, this is a very bright, shiny and solid Midget. The Mallard Green paintwork has a deep lustre and really suits it, and it sits well on its Minilite-style alloy wheels.
The new hood also gives it a lift cosmetically, and overall it looks to be a very straight, honest and well-presented car.
Underneath, it has received welding repairs previously but they are to a good standard, and not in any complex areas. The underside appears solid, though some anti-rust treatment would be advisable before using it in winter.
Both rear wheel arches have a few bubbles under the paint that could do with tidying up. There are also a few rust bubbles on the upper nearside rear wing.
The Interior
There’s not much inside the cabin of any Midget, but what’s here is absolutely terrific, with immaculate black vinyl seats, superb carpets and a smart black crackle-finish dash.
All of the control and switches work as they should, including the optional rev counter to the right of the steering wheel.
It has aftermarket black vinyl door card fitted, with green edging and integrated door pockets – a useful and quite desirable upgrade.
The Mechanics
Looking through the pile of receipts, you’ll see that the Midget has been cared for mechanically in recent times.
The engine bay is superbly presented, too, and the engine starts on the key with only a small amount of choke.
We were able to drive the car a short distance and can confirm that the steering, suspension and braking system gave no cause for concern and that the car felt eager and lively, engaging all gears. It also delivers its power with immense character – it’s a fun little car.
The Appeal
If you’re looking for an inexpensive and straightforward entry into classic car ownership then a Midget is a good way to go – they’re huge fun, cost pennies to run and are extremely simple to maintain, with peerless parts back up thanks to the huge number of MG specialists there are out there.
This one is a great starting point – it’s solid and smart, mechanically spot on and in need of some very minor cosmetic attention that you can get done over the winter when not out enjoying its wind-in-the-hair thrills. It’s a good example of the one of the very last Midgets ever made.
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Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
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Vehicle specification
- Year 1979
- Make MG
- Model Midget 1500
- Colour Mallard Green
- Odometer 91,095 Miles
- Engine size 1491
Auction Details
- Seller Type Trade
- Location Bedfordshire
- Country United Kingdom
19
bids
- da•••• £5,000 28/07/21
- Mi•••• £4,900 28/07/21
- da•••• £4,800 28/07/21
- Mi•••• £4,700 28/07/21
- da•••• £4,600 28/07/21
- Mi•••• £4,500 28/07/21
- da•••• £4,400 28/07/21
- Mi•••• £4,300 28/07/21
- da•••• £4,200 28/07/21
- Bu•••• £4,100 23/07/21
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